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- CAP to DHS: Pathologists, lab pros should be exempt from H-1B visa fee
The CAP and other leading laboratory organizations want the US Department of Homeland Security to exempt pathologists and lab professionals from a $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
What they're saying: In the letter, the groups warn that the steep fee would strain the health care system, especially smaller hospitals and labs in underserved areas that rely on international medical graduates (IMGs) to fill critical workforce gaps, threatening patient care and access to crucial lab services.
- The CAP previously joined other medical societies in calling for a fair and efficient immigration system that provides a pathway for international physicians.
The big picture: The US faces a critical shortage of pathologists and lab professionals. The demand for pathologists exceeds supply, with only about 600 new pathologists entering practice each year, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand for diagnostic and laboratory services nationwide. The H-1B visa is essential to addressing these shortages, allowing visa holders to provide the necessary care.